Powered Off finding? How Android 15 redefines phone tracking (and Why Pixel 8 wins!)

• The upcoming Android 15 will introduce a new feature, the Powered Off Finding API.
• Once updated to Android 15, the Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the upcoming Pixel 8a are expected to support this feature.

As I sit here, holding my Pixel 8, I can’t help but marvel at the technological advancements that are about to unfold. The upcoming Android 15 is set to introduce a feature that has caught my attention – the Powered Off Finding API. This feature once thought to be exclusive to the yet-to-be-released Google Pixel 9, might just be available on my Pixel 8 too!

The Powered Off Finding API is a game-changer. It allows phones to be located even when they’re switched off. How does it work, you ask? Well, it’s all about the hardware. The device stores pre-computed Bluetooth beacons in the memory of the Bluetooth controller. With some additional specialized hardware, the Bluetooth controller can be powered even when the phone is off, provided there’s some reserve battery left.

But it’s not just about the hardware. There’s some serious software engineering involved too. The Bluetooth Finder HAL needs to be supported, and of course, the device needs to be updated to Android 15. Plus, Android’s Find My Device network needs to be upgraded.

Now, the Pixel 9 is expected to meet these criteria, but guess what? Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro are also in the running once they get the Android 15 update. The soon-to-be-released Pixel 8a will likely join the club, too.

However, not all devices are expected to support this feature. The Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 6 series might miss out. It’s unclear whether it’s a hardware issue or if it’s just a case of missing software bits. If it’s the latter, especially for newer, high-end devices like the Pixel Fold, there’s a chance that the feature could be rolled out in the future.

So, am I excited about Android 15 and the ability to locate a switched-off phone? Absolutely! But what about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!